Question 1

What dresses were popular in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What did Ladies Wear in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.

Question 3

What is a 1940s style dress?

Accepted Answer

The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How do I identify an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

To identify an oil painting, look closely at its surface. Compared to other paintings, pieces produced in oils usually show off a variety of textures across the canvas, and the paint will appear layered on. If you're looking to determine the name, age or creator of a work, try snapping a photo with your smartphone’s camera and conducting a reverse image search online. Shop a diverse assortment of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Who is the father of oil painting?

Accepted Answer

Jan van Eyck is widely considered by art historians to be the father of oil painting. While the usage of oil paints dates back to 7th-century China, the Flemish painter popularized the material, using oils to produce highly detailed works such as The Arnolfini Portrait. The Northern Renaissance master also influenced many other artists, such as Hugo van der Goes and Gerard David. Shop an assortment of fine art on 1stDibs.

Question 6

When was oil paint invented?

Accepted Answer

Oil paint was invented during the 7th century A.D. The earliest examples of oil paintings have been traced to Afghanistan and depict scenes related to the Buddhist religion. Records dating back to the 12th century indicate that early Christian monks in Europe used oil paints to decorate furniture, and a century later, some artists began finishing tempera paintings with touches of oil paint. It wasn't until the 15th century that oil paints became a common medium for European painters, when Flemish artists like Jan van Eyck began favoring them over tempera. Explore a variety of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is abstract oil painting?

Accepted Answer

An%20abstract%20oil%20painting%20and%20an%20artwork%20that%20is%20made%20with%20oil%20paint%20on%20a%20medium%20like%20canvas%2C%20wood%20board%2C%20or%20other%20panels%20like%20canvas%20board.%20And%20the%20'abstract'%20term%20refers%20to%20the%20Movement%20%26%20Style%20of%20the%20piece.%20As%20abstraction%20indicates%20a%20departure%20from%20reality%20in%20the%20depiction%20of%20imagery%20in%20art%2C%20the%20artist%20creates%20a%20painting%20where%20the%20subject%2C%20shape%2C%20form%2C%20color%2C%20and%20line%2C%20is%20created%20with%20no%20particular%20references%20of%20the%20world%20but%20as%20a%20composition%20that%20may%20exist%20with%20a%20degree%20of%20independence%20from%20its%20vision.

Question 8

How do you maintain oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Can you use oil paint on wood?

Accepted Answer

You can use oil paint on wood as long as you prep the wood first. The first thing you should do is seal the wood with a primer. Ideally, paint two coats of sealer onto the wood so that the paint doesn't cause the wood to rot over time.

Question 10

Did Dali use oil paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dali did indeed use oil paint. Although he used oil paints in the traditional method, he would at times add natural resin or linseed oil to play with fluidity and texture. You can shop a selection of Salvador Dali’s pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How can you tell how old an oil painting is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old an oil painting is, research the artist who produced it. You can use the mobile app Smartify to snap a photo of the signature on your painting and identify the artist. Read biographical information about the artist online and look at images of their work to estimate the age of your piece. Alternatively, you can get the opinion of a knowledgeable art dealer or certified appraiser. Explore a wide variety of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Where is the largest oil painting in the world?

Accepted Answer

The largest oil painting in the world is in the main hall of the Doge's Palace located in Venice, Italy. Its name is Il Paradiso. Tintoretto painted it around 1592, and it measures 22 meters by 7 meters. Shop a large collection of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Is it necessary to varnish oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

Varnishing an oil is not necessary, but it is recommended because it protects the painting and corrects surface irregularities.

Question 14

What makes an oil painting valuable?

Accepted Answer

A few things make an oil painting valuable. Age has a major impact on price, with pieces made over a century ago tending to fetch the highest prices. Who created the painting also matters. The more famous the artist, the higher the selling price for a painting is likely to be. Finally, the condition of the work and whether it is in its original frame will also impact how much it is worth. Find a diverse assortment of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is the difference between a lithograph and an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lithograph and an oil painting comes down to uniqueness and technique. To produce an oil painting, an artist applies oil-based paints to a canvas or another surface using a brush. The process results in a single work of art. Lithography is a form of printmaking that begins by drawing on or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche, an oily wash. The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. Through lithography, an artist can produce dozens, or even thousands, of copies of a single image. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of lithographs and oil paintings.

Question 16

Do oil paintings darken over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, oil paintings darken over time. As oil paint is made of pigment particles, the range of substances that are used as pigment in oil paint can render certain colors susceptible to aging. Slowing the aging process for an oil painting involves storing your painting properly and keeping the work out of exposed sunlight. Temperature control and humidity are also important in preserving the life of an oil painting and slowing the aging process.

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How can I tell if an oil painting is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your oil painting is authentic, first check the signature of the artist to start your research. Use a magnifying glass to check the texture of the painting, and finally check the back for the painting’s original stretchers. Shop a selection of expertly vetted artwork from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do you know if an oil painting is valuable?

Accepted Answer

Because the value of an oil painting can vary greatly based on the artist, the subject and the condition of the piece, it's generally best to work with a certified appraiser. A knowledgeable professional can evaluate the piece and estimate its value. Shop a variety of authentic oil paintings from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How much are oil paintings worth?

Accepted Answer

Any%20artwork%20is%20worth%20and%20only%20worth%20the%20price%20someone%20is%20willing%20to%20pay%20for%20it%20(unfortunately%2C%20whether%20one%20can%20afford%20it%20or%20not%20is%20another%20story).%20%20Different%20people%20may%20have%20different%20reasons%20to%20attribute%20value%20to%20an%20artwork%2C%20from%20the%20purest%20(falling%20in%20love%20with%20it)%20to%20what%20is%20often%20considered%20as%20the%20most%20vile%20(speculation)%2C%20going%20through%20remembrance%2C%20pride%20of%20ownership%2C%20or%20brag%2C%20among%20other%20reasons.%0A%0AFor%20most%20living%20artists%2C%20the%20price%20of%20the%20artworks%20is%20usually%20set%20by%20the%20artist%20and%2For%20the%20gallery%20which%20represent%20him%20or%20her%2C%20by%20type%20and%20size%20of%20artwork%2C%20and%20corresponds%20to%20an%20equilibrium%20price%20between%20the%20rate%20at%20which%20artworks%20are%20sold%20and%20the%20rate%20at%20which%20new%20artworks%20are%20produced%20by%20the%20artist.%0A%0AFor%20artworks%20from%20dead%20artists%20sold%20by%20professional%20dealers%2C%20the%20price%20is%20often%20based%20on%20auctions%20results%20for%20similar%20pieces%20of%20the%20same%20artists.%0A%0AOil%20paintings%20are%20usually%20pricier%20than%20other%20techniques%20because%20it%20is%20considered%20more%20difficult%20to%20master%2C%20but%20also%20because%20oil%20paintings%20are%20known%20for%20their%20ability%20to%20last%20centuries.

Question 20

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

On 1stdibs, oil paintings cost between $60 and $6,200,000.

1940s Oil Paintings

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Lundy Siegriest“Volcano, CA” California Modernist painting circa 1940 s by Lundy Siegriest, circa 1940 s

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Lundy Siegriest“Volcano Brewery” California Modernist painting circa 1940 s by Lundy Siegriest, circa 1940 s

1940s American Modern Still-life Paintings

Ethel PaxsonAmerican Impressionist Oil Painting, Circa 1940s, "Phlox and Butterflies",, Circa 1940s

1940s Expressionist Nude Paintings

Martin SnipperExpressionist Nude in Oil, Circa 1940s, Circa 1940s

1940s American Modern Nude Paintings

Martin SnipperExpressionist Figure in Oil Paint, 1940s, Circa 1940s

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Robert von Neumann1940s Regionalist Painting, "Jones Island" Fishing Cove, Oil on Canvas,, Circa 1940

Shirley Plaut Schaefer1940s Florida Highwaymen Style Landscape Oil Painting of Maritime Scene, 1945

1940s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Jennings Tofel"Portrait of Arthur" 1940s Oil

1940s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Martin Snipper"Contestant" Expressionist Figures in Oil, Circa 1940s, Circa Late 1940s

1940s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Martin SnipperModernist Portrait of a Man, Oil on Canvas, 1940s, 1940s

20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Trude WaehnerMargret Gump, 1940s

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Still-life Paintings

Bradford J. Salamon1940s Norton Motorcycle, 2015

1940s Realist Landscape Paintings

Jean AmiotNotre Dame, Paris, From the Left Bank on a on 1940s Summer Day, c. 1941

1940s Naturalistic Landscape Paintings

Mabel Dodge Lujan The Pond, Landscape with house, New Mexico artist, signed, 1940s, Period frame, 1940 s

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Albert Van Nesse GreeneFigures, Boats, and House - Cape May Point, NJ, Impressionist Beach Scene, 1940s, 1940 s

1940s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Claude BenardImpressionist Portrait of a Young Frenchman, 1940s, Oil Painting, 1945

1940s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Claude BenardImpressionist Portrait of a Young Frenchman, 1940s, Oil Painting, 1945

1940s Landscape Paintings

Impressionist Italian Countryside Landscape Painting, 1940

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Nude Paintings

Alexander CanedoAlexander Canedo (1902-1978) "Spring" Original Oil Painting c.1940s, Circa 1940

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Louise Alix1940 s French Impressionist Signed Oil Painting Pink Roses Blue Background, 1940 s

Early 20th Century Impressionist Abstract Paintings

1940 s French Still Life Tulips against Purple Background Oil Painting on Canvas, c. 1940s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mary Mackenzie Scottish 1940 s Impressionist oil painting ABERDEEN UNION STREET CHRISTMAS EVE, 1946

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Italian signedThe Italian Mandolin Player 1940 s Signed Oil Painting on Canvas framed, c.1942

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Abstract Paintings

1940 s French Oil Painting Portrait of a Lady in Black dress Fashion Interiors, c. 1940s

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Colorful Vintage New York City Manhattan Skyline Oil Painting, ca 1940’s., Ca 1940

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine Vignon1940 s French Post Impressionist Oil Painting Village Street Pink Steps Leading, 1950s

Mid-20th Century English School Landscape Paintings

Frederick Charles HerrickOriginal 1940 s MID CENTURY Horses stylised oil painting listed English Painter, 1940

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Louise AlixMemorial Stone Cross Woodland Clearing 1940 s French Post Impressionist Oil, 1940 s

Early 20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Hélène Bon Desbenoit1940 s French Post-Impressionist Still Life Flower Oil Painting - Shabby Chic, c.1945

1940s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Alfred VachonThe Gulf of St. Tropez 1940 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Painting, 1944

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

French School1940 s Large French Post-Impressionist Very Thick Oil Painting Pink Flowers, 1945

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French artist1940 s/50 s FRENCH SIGNED OIL - PARIS IN THE RAIN - BUSY SCENE AT DUSK WITH CARS, c. 1940 s

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Emanuel Glicenstein RomanoLarge Modernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic rabbi in Jerusalem, c. 1940s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Nude Paintings

Gregori GinoImpressionist 1940s Nude, Signed Oil Painting, Light Green Colour, 1947

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Charles S. MeachamCharles S. Meacham (1860-1940) - Early 20th Century Oil, Spring Leaves, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Vintage Geometric Abstract Oil Painting Signed Heliker C.1940s, Circa 1940

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Germaine CasseJardins Luxembourg Paris 1940’s French Impressionist Signed Oil Flowers Parkland, 1943

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Maurice KishParis City Scene, Portrait Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s, 1963

1970s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Emanuel Glicenstein RomanoModernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic Rabbi in Jerusalem, 1972

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Emanuel Glicenstein RomanoLarge Modernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic Shtetl Wagon Driver WPA Era, c. 1940s

Lundy Siegriest
“Volcano, CA” California Modernist painting circa 1940 s by Lundy Siegriest, circa 1940 s

Lundy Siegriest
“Volcano Brewery” California Modernist painting circa 1940 s by Lundy Siegriest, circa 1940 s

Ethel Paxson
American Impressionist Oil Painting, Circa 1940s, "Phlox and Butterflies",, Circa 1940s

Martin Snipper
Expressionist Nude in Oil, Circa 1940s, Circa 1940s

Martin Snipper
Expressionist Figure in Oil Paint, 1940s, Circa 1940s

Robert von Neumann
1940s Regionalist Painting, "Jones Island" Fishing Cove, Oil on Canvas,, Circa 1940

Shirley Plaut Schaefer
1940s Florida Highwaymen Style Landscape Oil Painting of Maritime Scene, 1945

Jennings Tofel
"Portrait of Arthur" 1940s Oil

Martin Snipper
"Contestant" Expressionist Figures in Oil, Circa 1940s, Circa Late 1940s

Martin Snipper
Modernist Portrait of a Man, Oil on Canvas, 1940s, 1940s

Trude Waehner
Margret Gump, 1940s

Bradford J. Salamon
1940s Norton Motorcycle, 2015

Jean Amiot
Notre Dame, Paris, From the Left Bank on a on 1940s Summer Day, c. 1941

Mabel Dodge Lujan
The Pond, Landscape with house, New Mexico artist, signed, 1940s, Period frame, 1940 s

Albert Van Nesse Greene
Figures, Boats, and House - Cape May Point, NJ, Impressionist Beach Scene, 1940s, 1940 s

Claude Benard
Impressionist Portrait of a Young Frenchman, 1940s, Oil Painting, 1945

Claude Benard
Impressionist Portrait of a Young Frenchman, 1940s, Oil Painting, 1945

Alexander Canedo
Alexander Canedo (1902-1978) "Spring" Original Oil Painting c.1940s, Circa 1940

Louise Alix
1940 s French Impressionist Signed Oil Painting Pink Roses Blue Background, 1940 s

Mary Mackenzie
Scottish 1940 s Impressionist oil painting ABERDEEN UNION STREET CHRISTMAS EVE, 1946

Italian signed
The Italian Mandolin Player 1940 s Signed Oil Painting on Canvas framed, c.1942

Josine Vignon
1940 s French Post Impressionist Oil Painting Village Street Pink Steps Leading, 1950s

Frederick Charles Herrick
Original 1940 s MID CENTURY Horses stylised oil painting listed English Painter, 1940

Louise Alix
Memorial Stone Cross Woodland Clearing 1940 s French Post Impressionist Oil, 1940 s

Hélène Bon Desbenoit
1940 s French Post-Impressionist Still Life Flower Oil Painting - Shabby Chic, c.1945

Alfred Vachon
The Gulf of St. Tropez 1940 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Painting, 1944

French School
1940 s Large French Post-Impressionist Very Thick Oil Painting Pink Flowers, 1945

French artist
1940 s/50 s FRENCH SIGNED OIL - PARIS IN THE RAIN - BUSY SCENE AT DUSK WITH CARS, c. 1940 s

Emanuel Glicenstein Romano
Large Modernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic rabbi in Jerusalem, c. 1940s

Gregori Gino
Impressionist 1940s Nude, Signed Oil Painting, Light Green Colour, 1947

Charles S. Meacham
Charles S. Meacham (1860-1940) - Early 20th Century Oil, Spring Leaves, Unknown

Germaine Casse
Jardins Luxembourg Paris 1940’s French Impressionist Signed Oil Flowers Parkland, 1943

Maurice Kish
Paris City Scene, Portrait Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s, 1963

Emanuel Glicenstein Romano
Modernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic Rabbi in Jerusalem, 1972

Emanuel Glicenstein Romano
Large Modernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic Shtetl Wagon Driver WPA Era, c. 1940s

Toti Scialoja
Natura Morta (Still Life) - 1940s - Toti Scialoja - Oil Painting - Contemporary, 1949

George Biddle
Hooverville by Day (Colorado), 1940s Signed Oil Landscape Painting Neighborhood, 1940

Maurice Becker
Modernist Oil Painting the Shop Window NYC 1940s WPA era

Lucienne Estival - Grandgerard
Estival-Grandgerard (1896-1975) 1940 s FRENCH IMPRESSIONIST OIL - WHITE FLOWERS

Frank Joseph Vavra
Figurative Painting in Southwest Landscape, 1940s Framed Oil Painting, 11 x 9 in, 1941

Jean Peltier
1940 s SIGNED FRENCH IMPRESSIONIST OIL - BEAULIEU SUR MER ST JEAN CAP FERRAT, c.1947

Claude Benard
CLAUDE BENARD (1926-2016) SIGNED 1940 S FRENCH OIL - HEAD PORTRAIT CLASSICAL MAN, c. 1950 s

Charles Ragland Bunnell
Old Mine and Mountains, Colorado, 1940s American Modern Landscape Oil Painting, circa 1945

Will Hollingsworth
Antique American 1940s Surreal Landscape and Flower Still Life Oil Painting, 1940

Louise Ronnebeck
Silver Mine, Russell Gulch, 1940s Colorado Western Mining Landscape Oil Painting

Jean Dominique van Caulaert
Vase de Fleurs - 1940 s French Impressionist Flower Painting - Listed Artist, c.1947

Theresa Berney Loew
Bathers at the Quarry 1940s American Modernist Oil Painting WPA era

Maurice Kish
Around East River, NYC Bridge, City Scene Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s

Raphael Pricert
Yemenite Man, Tel Aviv, 1940 s Palestine/Israel

Alain Mettais Cartier
French Abstract portrait study from the 1940 s, 1947